Leibniz-Junior Research Groups
The programme is aimed at postdoctoral researchers with an excellent track record who are keen to take on a professorship or similar academic role. As leaders of a Leibniz-Junior Research Group, they are given the opportunity to pursue their own research projects and establish themselves in their respective fields.
Researchers from anywhere in the world who completed their doctorate no more than five years ago are eligible to apply (please refer to our FAQs).
The researchers funded in this programme are brought together for networking and training events in the Best Minds network. Participation in the Leibniz Leadership Academy is planned for successful candidates.
You can find our FAQs here.
You will find information on the application procedure here.
Overview
Currently funded Leibniz Junior Research Groups
Funded Leibniz-Junior Research Groups (ongoing projects)
Completed projects can be found below under Alumni
Prof. Martina Artmann
Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER)
Urban human-nature resonance for sustainability transformation | Project start 2020
The project focusses on the development and testing of the concept of urban human-nature resonance for sustainability transformation. The work focuses on the individual level (urban residents), collective actors (urban planning) and urban human-food relationships.
Dr Nikolai Badenhoop
Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE
Sustainable Finance Law in Europe - Navigating between Regulation, Contractual Practice, Litigation, and Regulatory Competition | Project start 2024
The project investigates financial products in Europe that are marketed as “sustainable” between regulation, contractual practice, litigation, and regulatory competition. It analyses the sustainability promises of funds and bonds and asks how greenwashing can be prevented.
Dr Sanja Bauer-Mikulovic
Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN)
Neural Mechanisms and Environmental Modifiers of Empathy and Prosocial Behaviour | Project start 2023
This project aims to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive and emotional aspects of prosocial behavior in mice, examine the environmental factors influencing this behavior, and explore its translational possibilities to humans.
Dr Mozes Blom
Museum für Naturkunde - Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science (MfN)
A bird's eye view: Modeling population responses to long-term climate and recent anthropogenic change using historical genomes | Project start 2024
The aim of the project is to enhance the integration of museum collections and genomics in biodiversity research. Using historical genomes, we investigate how environmental change has altered populations in the past and then predict how populations may cope with similar challenges in the future.
Dr Patricio Farrell
Weierstrass Institute for Applied Analysis and Stochastics (WIAS)
Numerics for innovative semiconductor devices | Project start 2020
The project investigates mathematically innovative semiconductor devices through modeling, simulation and numerical analysis. Our applications include perovskite solar cells, nanowires, memristors, crystal growth, random fluctuations in quantum wells and accurate lasers used in self-driving cars.
Dr Moritz Haarig
Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)
Optical Lab for Lidar Applications | Project start 2023
The aim of the project is the development of a realistic size/shape parameterization of mineral dust needed to interpret global observations with active remote sensing. We will construct a new laboratory to measure the polarization properties of size-selected natural dust samples at 180° backscatter.
Prof. Benedikt Jahnel
Weierstrass Institute for Applied Analysis and Stochastics (WIAS)
Probabilistic Methods for Dynamic Communication Networks | Project start 2021
The project investigates device-to-device systems with respect to connectivity improvements with the help of dynamic continuum percolation theory, data routing via large-deviations theory for space-time point processes, and malware propagation using interacting particle systems on random graphs.
Dr Antje Jantsch
Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO)
Rural well-being in transition: multidimensional drivers and effects on (im)mobility | Project start 2022
The project aims to develop a well-being index and adapt it to rural regions in Germany and Southeast Europe. By incorporating the concept of place attachment, it seeks to understand better the factors influencing the staying of people left behind and the quality of life in these regions.
Dr Murukarthick Jayakodi
Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)
Breaking the limits in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) research: improving its nutritional value for reduced dependence on imported protein and promoting eco-friendly farming in Europe | Project start 2022
The project aims at activating plant genetic resources to develop a genomic breeder’s toolkit for faba bean (Vicia faba L.), a grain legume adapted to temperate climates and a promising candidate for the European protein crop.
Dr Melanie Köhler
Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich
Mouthfeel - How texture makes flavor: Probing and manipulating nanobiophysical properties of mouthfeel in flavor perception | Project start 2022
The project investigates mechanisms of mouthfeel and its contribution in food flavor perception at cellular and molecular levels using biophysical approaches. This knowledge helps modifying food composition to develop healthier products while maintaining sensory qualities and consumer acceptance.
Prof. Tobias Lenz
GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies
Sources and Consequences of Legitimation Strategies of Regional Organizations | Project start 2018
The project investigates the legitimation of regional organizations (ROs) around the world. It studies how RO representatives justify an organization’s right to rule in the public realm and why justifications may change over time and vary across organizations.
Dr Rachel Lippert
German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE)
Broad Adaptations to Brain Connectivity due to Maternal Influences on Neurocircuits caused by Diet | Project start 2021
The aim of the project is to decipher the role of the melanocortin system in the brain. Probing the melanocortin system will open news avenues of understanding of the intricacies of the development and function of neurocircuits involved in energy balance, behavior and response to energetic changes.
Dr Caroline Mezger
Leibniz Institute for Contemporary History (IfZ)
“Man hört, man spricht”: Informal Communication and Information “From Below” in Nazi Europe | Project start 2019
The project’s aim is to establish an innovative cultural history of communication in the Third Reich and its occupied territories. Focusing on informal communicative practices, INFOCOM explores sense-making and agency in conditions of war, dictatorship, and altered informational landscapes.
Dr Lisa Oestereich
Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM)
Pathological host responses to Lassa virus infection - from mice to man | Project start 2019
The project investigates the role of antigen-presenting cells and T cells in Lassa Fever pathogenesis. We study the kinetics and phenotypes of these immune cells in mouse models and explore whether observed differences correlate with the clinical disease course and outcome in human Lassa Fever.
Dr Till Omansen
Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM)
Neuropathology of Lassa fever NEULA | Project start 2021
Dr Marcel Pawlowski
Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP)
Cosmic Choreographies: Studying Systems of Satellite Galaxies and Their Phase-Space Correlations | Project start 2021
The project investigates the distribution and motion of satellite dwarf galaxies around more massive hosts, both within and beyond the Local Group. Special emphasis is put on comparisons to cosmological expectations, based on numerical simulations of structure formation.
Dr Daniel Schick
Max-Born-Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)
Following Complex Spin Structures in Time and Space | Project start 2023
The aim of the project is to study light-induced spin dynamics on the relevant pico- to femtosecond time scales in technologically relevant nanostructures. We resolve the resulting transient magnetization profiles by resonant scattering techniques at our unique laser-driven soft-X-ray sources.
Dr Wladimir Sgibnev
Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography (IfL)
Contentious Mobilities: rethinking mobility transitions through a decolonial lens | Project start 2020
The project investigates the contentious character of mobility transitions, and the underlying conflictual experiences of modernisation, digitalisation and globalisation, looking into consequences and adverse effects, local-to-global, core-to-periphery dynamics, and their everyday negotiations.
Dr Abdoulaye Sounaye
Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient (ZMO)
Religion, Morality and Boko in West Africa: Students Training for a Good Life | Project start 2018
The aim of the project is to understand the ways in which religiosity affects secular education in West Africa. It investigates how students that seek a degree that would ensure them a better life, resort to religion. We focus on four universities in Niger, Nigeria, Togo; and Bénin.
Dr Madlen Stange
Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB)
Hybrid swarm evolution of native and invasive Phoxinus spp. to the river Sieg, Germany | Project start 2021
The project aims to holistically investigate human-induced hybridisations of native and non-native Eurasian minnows in the river Sieg (North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany). The project investigates morphological, genetic, and ecological differences between hybrids and the parental minnow species.
Dr Hiroki Tanaka
Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ)
Photonics with ultra-pure fluoride crystals | Project start 2024
The project aims to overcome material-based technological bottlenecks in photonics using ultra-pure fluoride single crystals. The unique multidisciplinary research approach involving materials science and optical science promises to unlock new frontiers in photonics research.
Dr Anastasiya Tönjes
Leibniz Institute for Materials Engineering — IWT
Additive manufacturing of graded structures from iron-based shape memory alloys | Project start 2022
The aim of the project is the local modification of the shape memory effect of additively manufactured FeMnSiCr-alloys. For this purpose, the composition and microstructure of the initial alloy are adapted by means of suspension-based in-situ alloying and process parameter variations.
Prof. Louis Veyrat
Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW)
2D Heterostructures for fermionic and bosonic topological phases | Project start 2021
Dr Rainer Weinberger
Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP)
Modeling multiphase media in and around galaxies in a cosmological context | Project start 2023
The project investiages how gas in and around galaxies is driving the host galaxies’ further evolution. Using novel computational techniques, the group develops large-scale simulations to unveil the cosmic growth history of galaxies into the state we can observe today.
Alumni of the Leibniz-Junior Research Groups
Dr Sofia Amaral
ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich
The Economics of Violence Against Women: Understanding Causes and Identifying Remedies | 2019
The project tested solutions to address violence against women and girls. The aim was to form partnerships with governments and non-governmental agencies to determine the causal effects of policies against violence and to quantify the impact of violence on women’s economic empowerment.
![[Translate to english:] Dr. Sami Domisch](/fileadmin/_processed_/c/9/csm_Sami-Domisch_07dfdfbf7c.jpg)
Dr Sami Domisch
Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB)
Global freshwater biodiversity, biogeography and conservation | 2019
The aim of the project is a better understanding of spatial freshwater biodiversity. We study the distribution patterns of species and their habitats by collating species records globally, and by developing a high-resolution hydrographical network and freshwater-specific processing tools.
Dr Milica Feldt
Leibniz Institute for Catalysis e.V. (LIKAT)
Computational Study of Iron-Oxo Complexes: Reactivity of (Artificial) Metalloenzymes and Biomimetic Complexes | Project start 2022
Dr Catherine Fischer
Leibniz Institute for Solar Physics (KIS)
QUiet-sun Event STatistics | 2018
The project aimed to characterise quiet-Sun small-scale magnetic field events. We utilized spatially and temporally diverse data sets and applied a statistical analysis to study the evolution of events such as magnetic flux emergence and cancellation and their effects on the higher solar atmosphere.
![[Translate to english:] Dr. Franziska Hanschen](/fileadmin/_processed_/b/d/csm_Franziska-Hanschen_901b8e1639.jpg)
Dr Franziska Hanschen
Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ)
Optimization of Glucosinolate Degradation Pathways for Increased Quality and Health Benefit of Brassica Products | 2018
The project investigates how the enzymatic hydrolysis of glucosinolates to cancer-preventive isothiocyanates can be improved in Brassica vegetables. Further, the effect of plant constituents on thermally induced degradation reactions and the formation of follow-up products is being investigated.
![[Translate to english:] Dr. Oleg Janson](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/3/csm_Oleg-Janson_8cb6385508.jpg)
Dr Oleg Janson
Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW)
Correlated materials from first principles: solving the nexus of charge, orbital and spin | 2019
The project focuses on describing experimentally studied correlated materials from first principles. By applying advanced numerical techniques, we provide insights into the interplay of charge, orbital, and spin degrees of freedom that shapes unique electronic properties of these materials.
Prof. Jana Maria Kleibert
Leibniz-Institut für Raumbezogene Sozialforschung (IRS)
Leibniz Institute for Research on Society and Space | Project start 2018
![[Translate to english:] Prof. Dr. Marlit Annalena Lindner](/fileadmin/_processed_/c/c/csm_Marlit-Lindner_4b2db09168.jpg)
Prof. Marlit Annalena Lindner
Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN)
Cognition and Motivation in Educational Testing | 2019
The project investigates the effects of typical design features of digital learning and testing environments (e.g., computer-based feedback, multimedia elements) in experimental studies. The aim of the project is to contribute to the empirically based design of effective digital media in education.
Dr Michael Melzer
Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW)
Urban human-nature resonance for sustainability transformation | 2018
The aim of the project was to develop flexible and stretchable magnetoelectronics, that was pioneered at the institute before, towards specific applications. The basic sensing elements are optimized and combined with compliant electronics to obtain imperceptible magnetic sensing systems.
Dr Matthias Prigge
Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN)
Shedding light on plasticity of monoaminergic circuits in the brain | 2018
The project aims to decipher the dynamics of noradrenaline release. We are developing non-invasive optical and electrical stimulation methods to replicate noradrenaline's natural release patterns accurately. Our goal is to improve cognitive performance in both healthy and diseased individuals.
Prof. Kevin Thurley
German Rheumatism Research Centre Berlin (DRFZ)
Prediction of T cell communication and differentiation dynamics by quantitative mathematical modelingn | 2018
The project investigated the regulation of immune responses by mathematical modelling and data analysis. The team developed methods for predicting the communication and differentiation dynamics of immune cells and estabished data-driven models of T cell dynamics in chronic inflammation.